How to Prevent Children From Taking Too Much Junk Food

With the marketing of products like chocolate chip cookies, cheesy potato chips and ice cream bars, it's no wonder how kids are not only attracted to junk food but addicted to the creative advertising campaigns for it. From hip hoppy bears singing while shoveling sugary cereals down to dancing dogs slurping icees, to prevent your child from turning into a junk food monster will take a little retraining. Start his day with healthy meals and end it with a tasty fat free snack to reduce, and possibly rid, his junk food cravings.

Instructions

• 1

  Teach your children to identify healthy items. From reading the calorie and fat count on product packaging to identifying the right choice between enjoying fruit as a snack instead of heavily processed junk foods, make it a part of your daily routine to teach her about making healthy choices. Post a food chart on the wall in your home and create fun activities for identifying the difference between good and bad foods.

• 2

  Give him healthier alternatives to his favorites. It may take a while before you can get him to convert to having oatmeal and turkey sausage for breakfast. Start his breakfast by choosing cereals that contain whole grains and little sugar. Substitute with fat free or soy milk. Pack lunch for him that gives the healthier versions of his snacks. Opt for portion control packaging instead of giving him a full bag of chips with his sandwich. Switch out full fat version of crackers and chips with those that are reduced fat or low in sugar and sodium.

• 3

  Wean her off of the junk. Make the transition aggressively. Replace potato chips with lightly flavored veggie crisps or popcorn in her lunch. Instead of pudding, add a low-fat fruit yogurt. Take the time to prepare meals on the weekend or during your down time so that you aren't relegated to stopping at a fast food restaurant or allow her to chomp on quick convenience store snacks.

• 4

  Practice what you preach. Make healthy alternatives a part of the entire family process. Rid the cabinets of unhealthy junk food. Set out a bowl of fresh fruit daily to give your kids a new choice for an after school snack. Drink plenty of water and flush the refrigerator from high sugar fruit juices and sodas. Enjoy healthy meals together and get them in on the fun of preparing foods like grilled chicken tacos or turkey burgers.